A Redhead's Revelations: Advent 2, Candle of Peace

Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25

Candle of Peace

By Stephanie Coyne

Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. Psalm 80:3

Peace. For me, this is the hardest of the embedded emotions from the four Advent candles to experience. I carry with me a lot of hope, joy, and love, but peace is a different thing altogether. It the truest state of the other three, for when we are at peace, we are able to most fully believe and feel hope, joy, and love.

Peace is when we are able to breathe in hope without worry.

Peace is when we are able to hold tight to an image of joy and just let it rest in our smile.

Peace is when we are able to experience and give love without expectation of return on our investment.

We use the word in so many ways: Grace and peace or Peace be with you, as a greeting or farewell, War and peace, as an opposite, Speak Peace, as a directive, and Rest in Peace, as a hope for a deceased loved one.

But peace is so much more than a word or a feeling or a dream or a hope.

Peace is with the woman at the well.

Peace is with man who was lowered through a rooftop.

Peace is with the children who were brought to their Savior.

Peace is with Mary and Joseph as they looked upon their newborn baby.

Peace is with all those who look upon the face of the Christ Child.

Peace within us. Peace among us. Amen.